The Japanese release of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed got stuck in traffic for a while

Most often, a cool game gets released in Japan and the rest of the world languishes, wondering when it will ever hit their corner of the planet — if it even will in the first place. However, now and then Japan is the last to receive a title, and that is most definitely the case with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

As you may recall, Sega's racer was released in Europe and North America in November 2012, alongside the release of the Wii U. Japan did not receive similar treatment, but according to Famitsu, the game will finally see a release for the Wii U and PS3 on 15th May, about 18 months later. No word has been given for versions on other systems, including the 3DS.

In light of the fact that the upcoming Sonic Boom is said to be a western release only, it appears Sega's strategy with its main mascot really does vary by region. We proved to be fans of the Sumo Digital-developed racer in our review, however, so it's great Japanese players will have a chance behind the wheel now, too.

Are you still playing Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed? Do you believe it still holds up — perhaps enough to seek out some Japanese players this May? Let us know in the comments.

As a child, Tim once spent an entire month staring longingly at a copy of Kirby's Dream Land his parents had kept atop the refrigerator until he could play it on an upcoming road trip. That month would change his life forever. TLatshaw